According to Deadline, Spielberg and DreamWorks organized Clinton's appearance, and the few Hollywood Foreign Press Association officials in the know were apparently telling people, if asked, that the special guest was Prince Albert of Monaco.

Clinton's appearance was greeted with visible surprise from a number of guests, and he was given a standing ovation.

He noted that "winning required the president to make a lot of unsavoury deals that had nothing to do with the big issue", joking: "I wouldn't know anything about that!"

Clinton further described Lincoln as a "brilliant" film, saying that it shows "a man more interesting than the legend - and a far better guide for future presidents".

Lincoln actor Daniel Day-Lewis took home the 'Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama)' award for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, but the movie was locked out of the other six categories in which it was nominated.

Watch a trailer for Lincoln below:

Photo gallery - Golden Globes red carpet in pictures:

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George Clooney and Stacy Keibler arriving at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards 2013 in Los Angeles
Copyright: Rex Features David Fisher
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